Cats are some of the best and most hilarious roommates a person can have. The little furballs frequently race around your house as if possessed by a spirit, steal food like an expert thief, unroll your toilet paper with speed and precision, and sharpen their claws on the strangest things. They drive us insane but are also some of the best companions we could ever ask for. All in all, do we even deserve these silly carnivores? Absolutely, but they do not need to share everything you eat.
Fatty Oils and Cats: What’s Safe and What to Avoid
Humans are advised to take certain supplements to stay fit and healthy. Cats also have supplements, and some may even be the same as what we take. Feline mental health prescription options are also similar to those of humans. Omegas are essential for cats and humans, and we can get them by eating oily fish like salmon or taking krill or fish oil supplements. Cats, unlike humans, do not need much sodium, fat, calories, or carbohydrates. Most of the little carnivore’s diet is made up of meat, whereas ours contains a broader variety of foods. Let’s find out which fatty oils are best and worst for your cat.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is generally regarded as a “healthy fat” and can keep our cholesterol in check, our blood pressure average, and our hearts healthy. This is not true for everyone. Our fuzzy little pals, cats, have very different requirements for being healthy and fit. Olive oil is filled with antioxidants to boost the immune system, which also helps cats stay free of health issues. A tablespoon can be given daily to medium-sized cats. This can be especially helpful if you need a fatty acid, like fish oil, that won’t upset your cat’s stomach.
Cats are carnivores, and we are omnivores (most of us), which means our diet is much broader than that of a feline. They do not require any other types of food than meat. In the wild, cats eat mice, fish, frogs, birds, snakes, rats, rabbits, and whatever else is small enough to catch. They may taste-test plants, fruits, vegetables, and anything else we are eating, but they do not do so out of necessity.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil helps hydrate our skin and hair, provides Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) to our systems, and offers 90% healthy saturated fats. It is a better choice than other oils with high unhealthy saturated fats and can boost our brain power, immune system, and cardiovascular health. For the most part, coconut oil is a good choice when supplementing your cat’s diet with healthy fats. It is best to slowly work up from 1/8 to 1/2 teaspoon for cats weighing around ten pounds. There are approximately 40 calories per teaspoon, so be careful when supplementing obese cats. Other lower-calorie oils can be offered.
Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oil is used to cook many foods and is a common ingredient in many others, including cat food. Because of this, cats do not need extra vegetable oil; if given too much, they can experience severe digestive upset, diarrhea, and vomiting. Adding a couple of drops (less than 1/4 teaspoon) can be safely done; it just isn’t necessary. Some types of vegetable oil are sunflower, canola, corn, avocado, and peanut oil, to name a few. Some have far more nutrients than others, so consult your vet before offering oil or new food.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is available in many forms for humans and animals. It tends to have an extra fishy aftertaste that can linger all day, which cats should love. Humans aren’t overly fond of it and opt for fish oil capsules boasting “no aftertaste.” Do not give those to your cat or dog. Only give pet nutrient-certified fish oil, like Zesty Paws, which can be found at Chewy. It’s also much more manageable than breaking open gooey capsules. The omegas in fish oil can help your cat’s digestive tract, bowel movements, fur quality, and mental clarity. These are the same reasons humans supplement fish oil in their diets. The fish oil you purchase for your cat will come with directions on feeding, though it’s easiest to mix the fish oil into their wet food.
Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil can support your cat, similar to fish oil. However, flaxseed oil has the potential to cause diarrhea, vomiting, greasy fur, or malaise in some cats. With so many healthy and safe oils for your cat, skipping this one is a no-brainer.
Hemp/CBD Oil
Hemp oil or CBD oil is another excellent supplement to add to your cats’ diets. It frequently comes mixed with fish oil and has a dual purpose because of it. It can be found online and at Chewy, amongst other places. CBD oil is used to help alleviate pain and stiffness in cats under strict veterinary care for dosing. It can even ignite an appetite in cats that otherwise have none. Cats are excellent at hiding their pain, but they might tell you when it’s extra bad if they could. CBD or hemp oils can also help your cat get restful sleep and lower anxiety levels. Always consult your vet before starting kitty on any new foods or supplements.
Something Fishy Can Be a Good Thing
The best nutrients for your feline are the ones they can get through animal products. Vegetable oils can be fine, though they do not all have the same strength or abilities. Sticking to fish, coconut, or CBD oil, depending on what you are treating, is a good rule of thumb. Check with your vet before changing a cat’s diet or adding anything to its supplements. It’s also advised that your cat be checked for pancreas, heart, kidney, or other issues the oil could complicate. We here at PetMojo wish you and your cat a lifetime of health.
